7 Best Therapy Dog Breeds

by Senior Care Staff on March 28, 2012

Dogs are natural companions, often referred to as “man’s best friend,” as they are loyal, loving, and at your side as often as you allow them to be. Simply petting a dog can lower your blood pressure, releasing endorphins for both you and the dog. Almost any dog, when trained properly, can make a good therapy dog. However, certain breeds may be perfectly tailored to your situation. With regard to temperament, size, exercise needs, and coat, some breeds are naturally better suited for your particular lifestyle. Choosing a breed that already compliments your needs can help speed up the training process toward obtaining the therapy dog you need.

Hospitalized children may get the best love from a Saint Bernard. These gentle giants love the companionship of children and are quite snuggly, weighing in at around 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. They love protecting, and are obedient, patient breeds. A Saint Bernard will not snap at a child who tugs on its fur. In the 17th century, Saint Bernards were used as rescue dogs for those who had been trapped by avalanches in the Alpine Pass between Switzerland and Italy. That keen sense of smell and a desire to protect has not faded with time, and is a quality that you can trust around small children who may need a watchful eye.

A Pomeranian is the perfect breed for an elderly person who stays home often or anyone who works from home. They will provide companionship all day long and need relatively little exercise beyond the confines of your house or apartment. In fact, they thrive on human companionship. So long as you remain by their side, they will grant you endless love and loyalty. This toy-sized breed has a thick, fluffy coat and a round, teddy-bearish face. They are affectionate and eager; however, they do need to be kept in their place and know that they are not the pack leader. Marie Antoinette and Mozart both owned Pomeranians.

Greyhounds have a quiet temperament that make them the perfect sleeping companion for those who have a restless time getting to sleep. They generally do not bark, are sensitive to harsh tones, and bond deeply with their human counterparts. Indoors, the Greyhound may even be considered lazy. The breed is tall and slender, known for its history of being used as a racing dog. Outdoors, the Greyhound will run after anything it deems as prey, and they can reach tremendous speeds — more than 40 miles per hour. However, this doesn’t negate the fact that, when it’s time for bed, the Greyhound will curl up for some serious, snore-free snoozing. They will look so comfortable that you’ll be lulled into an equally satisfying slumber.

For a person with limited mobility, including those with rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, a Bullmastiff is an excellent choice of dog breed. As one of the largest dog breeds, the Bullmastiff doesn’t need very much exercise — in fact, too much can be taxing on its giant heart. They are very gentle, despite their gruff appearance, and incredibly loyal to their owners. The Bullmastiff was originally bred as a guard dog, but was trained to pin down intruders without harming them. They are bulky and large, with black muzzles.

If you’re suffering from high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes, you may benefit from a therapy dog with a love for long strolls in the park. The Airedale Terrier is the perfect choice for this scenario. They will motivate you to get the low-impact exercise you need, and you will never roam alone. A kind breed, the Airedale will be warm toward its owners and friends alike, but isn’t afraid to stand up for itself. Without time for play, the Airedale will become bored and anxious. Thus, when you’re being too lazy for him, he will let you know it’s time to go get some exercise with his persistence. The Airedale has a curly caramel-colored and black coat and lively eyes.

Labrador Retrievers make excellent seeing-eye dogs, as they are both incredibly intelligent and non-aggressive. The lab also has a strong desire to please his master, a trait not common to all dogs. They are easy to train and retain new skills easily. They generally like all people, even strangers, as well as other animals. They have a soft mouth, meaning they will not bite down when retrieving duck and other game while hunting. This even, warm-hearted temperament makes them perfect guide dogs because they will take all people and situations in stride without spooking easily. The Labrador may be black, blonde, or brown with short, straight fur and a boxy build.

The Standard Poodle is the best breed for those that commonly suffer from allergies, as it’s curly coat is considered to be hypoallergenic. They shed little to no hair. The Poodle’s demeanor is noble, almost aristocratic, and good-natured. They need standard exercise of a daily walk and may become anxious without it, but otherwise just delight in being in the company of their human counterparts. They can be haughty if they feel their owner is meek and must come to know you as an authoritative source, but will shut down if disciplined too strongly. Although they are often referred to as a “French Poodle,” the Poodle more likely originated in Germany from the word “pudel,” meaning “one who plays in water.” The famous haircut sported by the Poodle provides insulation from the cold on the puffy joints, while the sleeker parts of the fur allow for ease in swimming.